Chapter 25: The Princess’s Investigation and a Familiar Visit

–Hello? Is that Yun’er?– Luli Ling’s voice, delicate and melodious, drifted from the other end of the line.

–Yes, Princess, how may I be of service?– Shangguan Yun’s heart pounded like a trapped rabbit, a tremor of unease running through her. ‘Could it be that the Princess has learned of my blunder,’ she fretted internally, ‘and has come to hold me accountable? What am I to do?’

–Oh, it’s nothing too important, really; I’ve just been terribly bored these past few days. Yun’er, where are you right now? Is Xiyue with you?– Luli Ling inquired softly.

–Uh… Princess,– Shangguan Yun stammered, –Lord Xiyue went out; it seems he has urgent business, though I’m not entirely sure what it is. As for me, I’m just staying in my dorm. It’s Sunday, after all, such a lovely time for youth, so naturally, I’m enjoying a good lie-in.– She replied with a clumsy chuckle, her laughter tinged with nervousness and a hint of eagerness to please.

–Alright then, you go ahead and rest easy. If anything important comes up, remember to tell me promptly.– With that, Luli Ling ended the call.

Seeing that Luli Ling didn’t press further and had ended the call, Shangguan Yun finally felt a wave of relief wash over her, letting out a long, shuddering sigh. No sooner had she slipped her phone into her pocket than a shout echoed from outside the door.

–Are you done yet? You’re taking forever in the toilet; did you fall in or something?– An auntie’s voice, laced with impatience, drifted from outside the door.

–Coming, coming! My stomach’s been bothering me a little, but I’m coming out right away.–

In reality, Shangguan Yun’s excuse of sleeping in at the dorm was merely a pretense to deceive the Princess. She had secretly snuck out to work, driven by a fierce determination to earn money and repay the significant kindness Lord Xiyue had shown her on their last encounter.

If the Princess had been suspicious enough to come herself, the truth would have been irrevocably exposed. Fortunately, Shangguan Yun was quick-witted; upon seeing the caller ID, she had immediately feigned a trip to the toilet, thus narrowly escaping detection by the skin of her teeth.

****

Meanwhile, on the other end of the line, Luli Ling sat languidly on the sofa, her legs elegantly crossed, and asked softly, –Well, Hei, what’s Xiyue’s current movement?–

–Princess, I am truly sorry,– Hei began, kneeling on the ground, their body trembling uncontrollably, their voice laced with a tremor. –Lord Xiyue possesses extraordinary strength; he left early this morning. I followed him discreetly the entire way, yet he still detected me and subsequently shook me off…–

–Useless! What good are you if you can’t even keep an eye on one person?– Luli Ling snapped. –Never mind, I can’t entirely blame you. After all, Xiyue has learned many skills from Uncle Jian over the years. You may rise. Oh, and contact Bai; have them investigate Shangguan Yun’s movements. I have a feeling that girl is lying to me.– She concluded, elegantly lifting her teacup and taking a delicate sip.

–Yes, Princess.– Hei slowly rose, then turned and hurried away.

‘Ouyang Xiyue, where exactly have you gone?’ Luli Ling mused, a strange glint flickering in her eyes as she set down her teacup. ‘If I cannot constantly know your whereabouts, I truly cannot rest easy. Should I discover which woman has captivated you, I will surely eliminate her for your sake, because you can only belong to me. After just a few days apart, my longing for you has grown even more intense.’

Knock, knock, knock…

–Come in.–

The door creaked open, and Bai, clad in a pristine white robe, respectfully entered. –Princess, Shangguan Yun is currently working at a stall within the snack street of the catering center.–

–Oh? So there truly is something fishy going on,– Luli Ling murmured. –Shangguan Yun has never lied to me before; this is rather interesting. Indeed, human hearts are fickle. Ah, you may leave.– She waved her hand, letting out a soft sigh.

After Bai retreated, Luli Ling’s mind was filled with doubt. ‘I recall Yun’er always having more than enough pocket money,’ she pondered, ‘so why would she need to work? And Xiyue, now nowhere to be found. This matter must be thoroughly investigated.’

–Hong,– Luli Ling commanded, addressing the empty space beyond the window, –go investigate what has recently transpired with Xiyue and Shangguan Yun.–

Immediately, a man’s voice responded from beyond the window, –Yes, Princess.– Following this, a red shadow flashed past in an instant.

–This won’t do, Xiyue. You can only be mine. If I ever find you getting too close to any other girl, I’ll get quite jealous, hehehe…– Luli Ling’s lips curved into a cruel smile.

Knock, knock, knock, a sudden rapping at the door broke the silence. Luli Ling hastily wiped the smile from her face, composing herself into a prim, dignified posture.

–Please come in.–

The door opened to reveal a handsome, golden-haired man, dressed in a military uniform adorned with numerous medals. He bore a striking resemblance to Luli Ling.

–Ah, Brother, you’re back!– Luli Ling exclaimed with a soft, chiding tone, then rose and threw herself into the man’s embrace.

The man naturally embraced Luli Ling, gently stroking her beautiful hair.

–Yes, Brother is back,– he murmured, –though I’ll have to leave again in a few days. Before I go, I wanted to come and see my lovely little sister.–

The man Luli Ling called ‘Brother’ was none other than Liuyu, Shangguan Yun’s ‘Brother Yu’.

–Ah? Brother, you just got back; why are you leaving again so soon? Can’t you stay a few more days to keep me company?– Luli Ling whined, snuggling deeper into Liuyu’s embrace.

–Be good,– Liuyu said, his face full of doting affection, as he gently stroked Luli Ling’s head. –I can stay for two more days at most.–

After they separated, they settled onto the sofa. Luli Ling dutifully poured tea for Liuyu, then nestled contentedly beside him.

Liuyu took a delicate sip of tea, then praised, –As expected of my adorable sister; the tea you brew grows more fragrant and delicious with each passing day.–

–You flatter me, Brother,– Luli Ling said, affectionately linking her arm through his. –It’s you who works truly hard, protecting our home and nation.–

–This is no hardship,– Liuyu replied. –As a man, protecting our home and nation is simply my duty. By the way, how is that lad Xiyue doing these days? I heard he’s gone to school too?– he asked, sipping his tea.

–Hehehe, don’t worry, Brother,– Luli Ling chuckled, patting her chest confidently. –Xiyue is perfectly fine. Although there were a few minor issues recently, I handled them all properly. Do you still doubt your sister’s capabilities?–

–Of course,– Liuyu responded. –I naturally trust you. It’s been a long time since we last met; I wonder if he has time. If he’s free, I’d like to catch up with him.–

–He should be free,– Luli Ling suggested. –Brother, have you forgotten it’s Sunday today? How about I call him and ask him to wait at school, and we can go tomorrow morning? It’s already late; I’m afraid it’s too late to go today.–

–Mm, alright,– Liuyu assented. –You handle contacting Xiyue then. Brother still has some matters to attend to; you go entertain yourself for a bit.– He said, patting Luli Ling’s head once more before turning and departing.

Watching Liuyu’s retreating back, Luli Ling secretly rejoiced. ‘I was just fretting over not having an opportunity to seek out Xiyue,’ she thought with a sly smile. ‘Now that Brother is going, I can go along too. I’ll get to see what exactly you two are up to.’

With that thought, Luli Ling pulled out her phone and dialed the number.